Credo's mental health clinic is growing, seeking more clients

Aug. 27--WATERTOWN -- Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions has almost reached its mental health clinic patient goal for 2014.

Open for four months, the nonprofit clinic's active client base has grown to 110, just 10 shy of the 120 goal. Caryn White, clinical director and part-time therapist for the mental health clinic, said as the agency progresses, so will a smoother transition for Credo clients seeking addiction treatment.

"Two-thirds of our individuals in treatment with (mental health) are also in treatment for substance use with us or another clinic, or recently completed treatment," Ms. White said. "We're working on developing the most integrated model we can."

The mental health clinic, however, welcomes community members to be seen for their personal mental health needs. Ms. White said referrals are not needed from physicians in order to be seen at the clinic, 595 W. Main St.

Aside from Ms. White, clinic staff is composed of three full-time therapists and one part-time nurse practitioner.

Individual counseling is offered, as is group counseling. Throughout the coming months, Ms. White said, other counseling and support groups will be added. Credo will partner with the Watertown Family Y to offer a Healthy Recovery Group, which will allow those in treatment to use Y facilities.

The north country has been known to be an area with a shortage of health providers, particularly in behavioral health services. Some clinics and individual practices have long waiting lists, but there isn't one yet at Credo's mental health clinic. That could change, however, as the clinic continues to grow, Ms. White said.

"We still have room to do intakes each week," she said. "We're able to continue to bring new patients in. Things are going really well."

For more information, including how to set up an intake appointment, call Credo at 788-7150.

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